NFL Hall of Fame Legend Bruce Smith will Appear as a Special Guest at the Steadman Philippon Research Institute’s Fundraiser Event "Rock the Research" on July 14

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The Steadman Philippon Research Institute is having their annual fundraiser event "Rock the Research" featuring Darius Rucker July 14. This year, NFL Hall of Fame member Bruce Smith will be a special guest to honor Dr. Richard Steadman.

Bruce Smith, NFL Hall of Fame member, will be a special guest at Rock the Research

I learned very quickly that there was something about Dr. Steadman that exceeds the normal doctor-patient relationship.

Vail, Colorado (PRWEB)July 10, 2014

VAIL – Bruce Smith, a National Football League Hall of Fame member, will be a special guest to honor Dr. Richard Steadman at “Rock the Research 2014” on Monday, July 14th, at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater.

This year’s event, featuring Grammy Award winner Darius Rucker, will benefit the research and educational programs of the Steadman Philippon Research Institute.
Smith, one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history, first met Dr. Steadman as a patient in 1992.

“I learned very quickly that there was something about Dr. Steadman that exceeds the normal doctor-patient relationship,” he says. “He has a concern for each patient that is simply special. For me, he was like a ray of sunshine that brightens the moment. He’s an accomplished and remarkable man—unique and humble—and that’s why I wanted to attend this event.”

“He also added at least five years to my career,” adds Smith, who had three microfracture procedures performed by Dr. Steadman. “He protected me. He did not let them rush me back onto to the field prematurely. I couldn’t have been more blessed to have a doctor who took care of me the way he did.”

After graduating from Virginia Tech and being drafted No. 1 in 1985, Smith played in the NFL 19 years—15 for Buffalo and 4 for Washington. During his career, he earned “Defensive Player of the Year” honors in 1990 and 1996, was AFC Defensive Player of the Year four times, and was chosen to play in 11 Pro Bowls. With the Bills, his team went to four consecutive Super Bowls. His number, 78, has been retired at Virginia Tech.
When he was enshrined into the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009, he credited Dr. Steadman for preserving his career.

“Dr. Steadman and his colleagues at the Steadman Philippon Research Institute are pioneers and innovators,” say Smith. “They are constantly exploring new techniques that extend the playing careers of athletes and add to the quality of life of all their patients. For what they have done for me and thousands of others, I will be forever thankful.”

Smith and his wife, Carmen, live in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Bruce is passionate about his alma mater, Virginia Tech, and attends every football game. He is a commercial real estate developer and has built a 300-unit apartment complex/hotel near the campus. Their son, Alston, is a sophomore offensive lineman for the Hokies.

To stay current on event information, visit RockTheResearch.com or follow the Steadman Philippon Research Institute on Facebook at Facebook.com/SteadmanPhilippon.

ABOUT

The Steadman Philippon Research Institute (SPRI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping people active through research and education. Founded in 1988 by Dr. Richard Steadman, SPRI has developed into an international leader on research related to causes, prevention and treatment for orthopaedic disorders. To learn more about SPRI, please visit http://www.sprivail.org